Germany produces some of the most luxurious and exciting cars on the market and has done so for decades. However, cars from the European nation don’t always have the best reputation for reliability. Luckily, there are a ton of models currently on the market that prove that has changed.
While Japan usually leads the way when it comes to producing reliable vehicles, we have found ten models from Germany that give them a run for their money. These models are ranked based on their reliability score. We dive into what makes these models such good options in their individual segments and how much they cost to maintain.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on reliability, from least to most reliable.
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10
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability Score: 81/100
Volkswagen is a brand that has built its reputation on delivering simple, solid, no-nonsense transportation. The Tiguan fits that brief perfectly. This compact SUV may not be flashy, but it is much more agile and eager than you would expect. It is also more spacious than many of its direct competitors.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $730 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $8,197 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2011
Volkswagen’s eye for simplicity and practicality is what helps the Tiguan rank so highly when it comes to reliability. German cars are generally pretty expensive to maintain over the long term. The Tiguan, however, is one of the most affordable cars on this list to maintain, and it is still pretty average compared to other SUVs.
9
2025 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability Score: 82/100
Porsche is one of the most premium automotive brands in the world, delivering luxurious, performance-oriented machines. The Cayenne is their mid-size offering, but despite its size, it is still incredibly agile. It is also much faster than you’d expect, especially if you climb the trim ladder a bit.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,231 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2011
For such a performance-oriented brand, it is impressive that Porsche consistently ranks among the most reliable automakers on the market. The Cayenne is fantastic, but it is far from the most reliable car that the brand sells, as you’ll see the deeper we go into this list. Just be aware that they can be very costly to maintain.
8
2025 Audi Q3
Reliability Score: 82/100
If you’re looking for the most inexpensive Audi SUV, the Q3 is the way to go. While other crossovers in the subcompact segment may be a little more raucous while others are more luxurious, the Q3 finds a good middle ground. It is perky, fun to drive, and comes with a ton of standard comfort and tech features.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $915 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $12,647 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
Of all the German manufacturers, Audi possibly has the worst reputation for reliability. When it comes to the scores awarded by authoritative sources, they often rank near the middle of the pack. The Q3 is one of the few exceptions, being one of the most highly rated luxury subcompacts.
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7
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Reliability Score: 83/100
Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level crossover is the GLA. We use entry-level loosely as it has an MSRP of well over $40,000. However, Mercedes does an incredibly good job of instilling its cheap subcompact crossover with the same level of comfort that you would expect out of a car with the three-pointed star on the front.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $987 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
Mercedes-Benz may not have always had the best reputation when it comes to reliability, but if you shop carefully you can find a number of sturdy models in their lineup. They are fairly pricey to maintain, though, with even the affordable GLA-Class coming close to $1,000 annually in costs, according to RepairPal.
6
2025 BMW 8-Series
Reliability Score: 83/100
If you’re looking for a two-door grand tourer, we think that the BMW 8-Series should be on your list of options. It comes fitted with top-of-the-line features from the brand and performance that will blow your mind. It is gorgeous to look at and its cabin is extremely well appointed.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2019
BMW has a bit of an up and down history when it comes to reliability. However, lately they have managed to turn things around, ranking among the most reliable brands on the market. The 8-Series is particularly reliable, but a high-end car like this costs a small fortune to maintain over the long term.
5
2025 BMW X3
Reliability Score: 84/100
The X3 is the most popular vehicle from BMW in the United States, and it is easy to see why. BMW has always managed to walk the line between comfort and performance in a way that few others can. Without making too many compromises, the X3 adds practicality into the mix.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $19,074 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 7
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2011
Despite being one of the most highly rated BMWs when it comes to reliability, there are some things you should be aware of when buying an X3. Firstly, there have been seven recalls issued for the 2025 model alone. Secondly, after your three years of complimentary maintenance, you’re going to have to shell out a ton of money.
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4
2025 Porsche Macan
Reliability Score: 84/100
If you’re looking for the most performance-oriented compact SUV on the market, then there is no better choice than the Macan. Porsche launched the crossover to immediate success thanks to its ability to handle better than basically anything else its size and its plush interior.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1265 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 2
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
Porsche once again proves that it sets the benchmark when it comes to reliability, particularly in the luxury/performance area of the automotive world. The Macan holds together extremely well over long periods of time. It does require diligent maintenance though, which obviously doesn’t come cheap.
3
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
Reliability Score: 86/100
If the Porsche crossovers mentioned so far didn’t quite grab your attention, we’re sure that the 718 Cayman coupe will. The Cayman offers one of the purest and most thrilling driving experiences out there, with brilliant boxer engine options and an incredibly customizable appearance.
Reliability and Maintenance
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Year To Buy Used: N/A
The Cayman once again proves that the engineering department at Porsche has delivered a mechanical masterpiece with its exceptional reliability score. There are few sports cars that offer the level of performance that this Porsche does while still remaining so reliable.
2
2025 BMW X4
Reliability Score: 87/100
Front 3/4 shot of a 2022 BMW X4
Where the X3 leans more into the realms of practicality, the X4 instead goes for sleek good looks. Its sloping roofline looks fantastic, and it comes with all the same kit that makes the X3 such a great option in the compact SUV segment. Just know that its coupe-like styling eats into headroom and cargo space.
Reliability
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $988 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $19,132 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
In most ways, the X4 is identical to the X3, at least the previous model year. This is why it looks so similar on paper in terms of performance, reliability, and maintenance costs. It is the most reliable new BMW that you can buy today.
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1
2025 Porsche 911
Reliability Score: 89/100
Taking the top spot on this list is a car that you might not have expected. Porsche’s 911 is iconic in just about every way, with a silhouette that even non-car people would be able to recognize. In a lot of ways, it remains the benchmark for all two-door sports cars.
Reliability
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,072 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
- Worst Year To Buy Used: N/A
Despite being such a performance powerhouse, the 911 is the most reliable German vehicle that you can buy in 2025. There are also a number of cars that cost more to maintain on this list, which is surprising. The 911 does require an attentive eye when it comes to maintenance, though.